Feet are the “running gear” of several hounds, and are of such importance that they are heavily weighted in a scale of points found on several of their breed standards. The Tibetan Terrier’s completely unique feet, too, are critical enough to warrant two paragraphs in the AKC Judges Study Guide on feet alone. Check out just the first few seconds in the video below and note the attention the judge gives this exhibit’s feet:

 

 

 

Feet are considered one of the identifying characteristics of the Tibetan Terrier breed, so attention to them during an individual examination is called for. Large, round, flat but flexible feet act like snowshoes and give the dog traction in the snowy conditions of its homeland of Tibet, but because of an abundance of coat, evaluating a TT’s feet can only be determined by physically examining the foot. The TT might be one of the few breeds in which a flat foot is required, but it should be emphasized that although flat, the foot is tightly knit, not splayed, and again, this has to be done with a hands-on examination.

We used the Tibetan Terrier to segue into a bit more about flat feet which are generally considered a major fault in many breeds. Trauma can cause flat feet, but some dogs are born with carpal issues which can result in flat feet, and for these dogs, keeping nails trimmed short, getting them off concrete and walking in sand or on gravel (especially limestone, oldtimers say)  is helpful.

Flat feet don’t adequately support a dog’s weight, and that can reduce traction which can lead to a slipping injury. Instead of a nice thick, firm pad, the pads on flat feet aren’t as “cushiony” and tend to lie flat against the surface on which the dog stands, and that means that dry, rough vegetation can irritate webbing between the toes, sometimes to the extent that cysts or sores can appear. In time, this will become painful as a dog’s weight bears down his feet, and worse, it can predisposed the dog to the onset of arthritis. From a hunter, rancher or shepherd’s perspective, a flat footed dog can’t work as long or efficiently because, to borrow a phrase, its “dogs are barking.” Read: His feet hurt.

Another term for flat feet is “paper feet,” an apt description because paper feet are about as useful to a dog as flat feet.

Image: Folded book showing paw prints by Meredith Draper, owner of IntoTheFoldsBoutique, is available here